Former England wicketkeeper-batsman Alec Stewart has urged the Ashes tourists to ”get off the canvas” and come out fighting despite their shambolic performance in the Ashes, which saw them lose the series 5-0.

Stewart mentioned that the last time England suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss, in 2006-07 under Andrew Flintoff”s captaincy, there followed the Schofield Report — a full and frank review looking into the state of English cricket, adding that a brutally honest appraisal of the team”s dismal show also must take place this time.

According to The Mirror, Stewart agreed with the decision of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that Andy Flower be retained as coach, saying that although Flower and his coaching staff along with the selectors has to take a portion of blame, it is the players who have performed poorly.

Stewart further said that England possesses proven and experienced players in their top order with Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen but none have been able to score freely against the disciplined Aussie attack, although he said that it is necessary to keep the spine of the side together and then look to bring in some fresh talent. Stewart also said that with the right blend of experience and potential a team can grow, adding that picking a team of kids will not work.

First Published on January 5, 2014 4:33 PM ISTLast updated on January 5, 2014 4:35 PM IST